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You are viewing a past performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I

Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I

Why See Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I?

Shall We Dance?

The multi-Tony winning The King and I dances its way out of New York for a much anticipated national tour in 2018. The latest revival of Rogers and Hammerstein's classic musical captures all the old-school Broadway magic of the original, while draping it in a whole new level of opulent finery. It's a brilliant new staging that is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet!

Based on a true story, The King and I traces the blossoming romance between an English governess and the King of 19th Century Siam. Part love story and part culture clash comedy, the show contains some of musical theatre's greatest numbers, from Shall We Dance to Getting to Know You, to I Whistle A Happy Tune.

A Brief History

Today considered maybe the legendary duo's greatest accomplishment, The King and I wasn't a sure-fire hit by any means when it first opened back in 1951. Both Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein expressed doubts that it would measure up in the public's eyes to their previous effort, South Pacific. Of course they had nothing to worry about, especially with Yul Brynner playing the role of King Mongkut. The musical's reputation was sealed by the subsequent Oscar-winning movie adaptation, which once again featured Brynner, starring alongside Deborah Kerr.

The 2015 Broadway production opened in April and was greeted with unanimous praise from critics, for both its lead actors, Ken Watanabe and Keli O'Hara, and the shows sumptuous stage design. It was nominated for a total of nine Tony Awards, and won four, including Best Revival of a Musical.

What is The King and I About?

Widowed governess Anna Leonowens lands in 1860s Siam (now Thailand) to take up a very special post. She's to live at the palace of King Mongkut and act as teacher to his myriad of offspring, providing them with a secular, westernised education.

Upon arrival, she realises the up hill struggle which lies ahead of her - the Siamese culture is a strange and alienating one, and the king is a critical and arrogant employer. Over time this initial coldness towards each other begins to thaw, and a tentative romance between the pair begins to blossom, but it's a possibility that they're both afraid to recognise.

Did You Know?

While based on a true story, the musical does employ a generous amount of poetic license. Unfortunately for the romantics among us, there is no evidence that the relationship between the real Anna and the King was anything other than strictly professional.

Additional Information

Dates

Opening night: 16 January 2018

Audience

Recommended for ages 8+

Run time

Two hours and 55 minutes including one 15 minute interval

And before you stop reading

Images are from the 2015 Broadway production. The cast for this tour has yet to be announced.

Creative

Book and Music Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein IIBased upon the novel by Margaret LandonChoreography Jerome RobbinsDirected by Bartlett SherMusic direction by Ted SperlingSet design by Michael Yeargan Costume design by Catherine ZuberLighting design by Donald HolderSound design by Scott LehrerOrchestrations by Robert Russell BennettDance and incidental music arrangements by Trude RittmannMusic coordinator by David Lai Music directed by Gerald Steichen Production stage manager by Peyton Taylor Becker

Awards

2015 TONY AWARD WINS

Best Revival of a MusicalBest Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Kelli O'Hara) Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Ruthie Ann Miles) Best Costume Design of a Musical

2015 TONY AWARD NOMINATIONS

Best Revival of a MusicalBest Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Ken Watanabe) Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Kelli O'Hara) Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Ruthie Ann Miles) Best Direction of a Musical Best Choreography Best Scenic Design of a Musical Best Costume Design of a Musical Best Lighting Design of a Musical

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